Sports protection apparatus

ABSTRACT

A sports activity protection apparatus and method of use. The apparatus of the present invention is characterized by a multi-layer padded member and a belt member. The padded member is shaped to offer protection of the abdominal area, including the solar plexus and upper groin region. The padded member contains different layers for absorbing and distributing shock, ensuring flexibility, and providing for a lightweight apparatus. Individual layers are comprised of air-filled bladders, a low density material, foam material, and nylon or similar material. The belt member, preferably comprised of an elastic material, extends between each end of the padded member to be secured about the waist of the user.

CITATION TO PRIOR APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/647,258, filed on Jan. 26, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a sports activity protectionapparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sportsactivity protection apparatus having a padded member of multi-layerconfiguration, where each layer performs particular functions and actsin complementary fashion to provide for a particularly effectiveapparatus. The padded member is secured about the waist of its user by abelt member and serves to protect the abdomen from incident blows fromsports balls and other players.

2. Background Information

The use of various padding and other protective equipment for use duringsports activity is known. More specifically, sports activity protectionapparatus heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basicallyof familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations,notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the prior art whichhave been developed for the fulfillment of different objectives andrequirements. While these devices may fulfill their respective,particularly claimed objectives and requirements, the aforementioneddevices do not disclose a sports activity protection apparatus andmethod of use such as Applicant's present invention.

Known sports activity protection apparatuses are hampered by limitationsovercome by Applicant invention. More specifically, devices known in theart do not provide a protection mechanism that is both light weight andparticularly effective in absorbing and distributing shock. In fact,those skilled in the art largely agree that a glaring limitationassociated with such products is remaining light enough to avoidhindering sports performance while offering adequate protection. Whilethere are known products that may secure about the waist or torso of asports player, such products sacrifice mobility for the benefit of moreprotection, and vice versa. After all, until now, protection deviceshave not been able to offer adequate shock absorption while remaininglight enough to be worn while running at full speed.

Those playing sports games, such as soccer, where there is a likelihoodof having contact with sports balls or other players would be wellserved to be equipped with a device such as the present invention. Thatis, those playing such games would greatly benefit from a device thatcould be worn during games or practice, with no detrimental effect toperformance, while offering superior protection. As will be fullydiscussed, Applicant's invention, through a novel arrangement ofcomponent parts, provides such an apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be describedsubsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new sports activityprotection apparatus and method of use which has many of the advantagesof such apparatus known in the art and many novel features that resultin a new apparatus and method of use which is not anticipated, renderedobvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the known apparatus ormethods, either alone or in any combination thereof.

In satisfaction of the above, the present invention provides a sportsactivity protection apparatus and method of use that is new andunobvious in view of known products. The present invention, by way of anovel multi-layer configuration, provides for a particularly effectivesports protection apparatus and method of use with respect toperformance, durability, flexibility, and size-to-weight ratio. In fact,results achieved by the present invention are simply not possible withany other known treatments.

In its most preferred form, the padded member of the present apparatusis generally of an elongate shape, having a broader center section whilebeing tapered about each distal end. Such a configuration isparticularly beneficial in that it allows its user a free range ofmotion while protecting the most vulnerable parts of the body. Morespecifically, this configuration allows a sports player to bend, twist,or rotate at the waist without restriction while offering protection ofthe solar plexus and groin area. Particular embodiments are envisionedwhere the padded member is of different dimensions, sized according towhether it is to be used by a child or an adult. As such, the generalarrangement of component layers of the padded member remains the same,while its actual dimension may vary to better suit the size of theplayer wearing the padded member.

The apparatus of the present invention provides for a padded membersecured about the waist of its user by a belt member. The belt memberextends from each distal end of the padded member to wrap around thewaist of a sports player. The belt member may be securely fastened byany number of arrangements as known in the art. For example, the beltmay contain plastic clips that fit into one another. Particularembodiments are envisioned where the belt member is elastic and may beput on by either “stepping into” the apparatus, or pulling it down fromover the head. Such an embodiment is particularly useful for quicklychanging into, and out of, the apparatus during the course of a game orpractice. Finally, in its most preferred form, the belt member isactually comprised of two individual belts that wrap around the waist ofthe player. Two smaller belts are preferred over a single larger belt assuch an arrangement maintains a more secure fit as the player's bodymoves during use.

The padded member is characterized by a multi-layer configuration, whereeach layer performs a specific function. Each layer, alone and incombination with other layers, imparts several novel attributes toApplicant's invention. The, first, or outermost layer is comprised ofsome material such as nylon or some composite thereof. This layerprovides strength for holding the apparatus together and flexibility inallowing the apparatus to contour to the shape of its user. Further, theouter layer is particularly beneficial in that it is somewhat breathableand does not induce agitation or itching for its user as the apparatusis worn.

The second outermost layer is juxtaposed with the inside of the firstlayer and the outside of a third layer. This second layer functionsprimarily as a protection for the inner layers, adding durability andwater resistance to the device.

A relatively thin third layer is juxtaposed with the inside of thesecond layer and the outside of a fourth layer. Of course, the thirdlayer does provide some degree of protection by simply acting as anadditional layer of padding; however, the third layer largely serves toeliminate relative movement between the second and fourth layers. Thatis, the third layer is comprised of some course material thatessentially “grabs” the second and fourth layers. Without this layer,the apparatus would be of diminishing usefulness over time as theprotective materials contained within became distorted under the outsidematerial. In fact, a common problem associated with known protectivemembers is “bunching” of protective material as the player moves duringthe course of its use. In novel fashion, Applicant's inventioneliminates any such problem.

The fourth layer is juxtaposed with the inside of the third layer andthe outside of a fifth layer. In its most preferred form, this layer iscomprised of a foam material and is approximately between one eighth andone quarter inch in thickness. This foam layer provides for shockabsorption and distribution, and, provides structural integrity to theapparatus overall.

The fifth layer is juxtaposed with the inside of the fourth layer andthe outside of the sixth (or inner most) layer. The fifth layer is thickbatting layer; however, it is somewhat similar to the second layer in somuch as it is comprised of a course material that “grabs” surroundinglayers to hold each intact with respect to the other. This layer isparticularly effective in protecting the inner most layer, whichcontains air-filled bladders, from abrasive forces that may causedamage. Finally, while this layer may be relatively thick (preferablybeing between one quarter to one half inch thickness), its porous naturecontributes to the apparatus being relatively light weight.

The sixth or innermost layer is positioned within the central-mostportion of the apparatus. Preferably, this layer is made up of a duallayered system of some plastic component having a series of air-filledbladders. This layer serves as the core of the apparatus and isexcellent in responding to forces exerted thereon. More specifically,the air filled bladders efficiently react to the force imparted byobjects contacting the padded member and respond to bending or foldingof the padded member caused by the player's movement during use.Finally, this innermost layer may have air bladders of differentdimensions to better accommodate the expected strength of incidentforces (i.e., adults may need greater protection in most instances) andcomprise one or more layers to further provide protection.

While the apparatus of the present invention may seem trivial at firstglance, its unique construction proves otherwise. That is, thecombination of layers having foam padding and air-filled bladdersprovides for excellent shock absorption. Also, these layers aremalleable enough to withstand bending and folding of the apparatuscaused by the users' movement during use. Additional layers aresandwiched throughout the apparatus to ensure the constituent layers donot slip or slide with respect to each other. These layers arerelatively porous and therefore do not impart undue mass to theapparatus. Moreover, these layers provide their own level of shockabsorption and further serve to protect other constituent layers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Applicant's invention may be further understood from a description ofthe accompanying drawings, wherein unless otherwise specified, likereferenced numerals are intended to depict like components in thevarious views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross section view of the apparatus of the preferredembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, the apparatus of the present invention is generallydesignated by the reference numeral 10. Apparatus 10 is primarilycharacterized by a padded member 12 in combination with a belt member18.

Padded member 12, in the preferred embodiment, is generally of anelongate shape, having a broader center section 14 while being taperedabout each distal end 16. As send in FIG. 1, padded member 12 is heldtogether via stitching members 17. Such a configuration is particularlybeneficial in that it allows its user a free range of motion whileprotecting the most vulnerable parts of the body. More specifically,this configuration allows a sports player to bend, twist, or rotate atthe waist without restriction while offering protection of the solarplexus and groin area. Particular embodiments are envisioned wherepadded member 12 is of different dimensions, sized according to whetherit is to be used by a child or an adult. As such, the generalarrangement of component layers of padded member 12 remains the same,while its actual dimensions may vary to better suit the size of theplayer wearing apparatus 10. Finally, padded member 12 may include ahidden zipper pocket 15 located on the back upper portion of paddedmember 12.

Apparatus 10 is further characterized by belt member 18, which serves tosecure padded member 12 about its user. Belt member 18 extends from eachdistal end 16 of padded member 12 to wrap around the waist of a sportsplayer. Belt member 18 may be securely fastened by any number ofsecuring means as known in the art. For example, the connecting portionsof belt 18 may contain plastic clips that fit into one another.Particular embodiments are envisioned where belt member 18 is comprisedof elastic or a similar material so that apparatus 10 may be put on byeither “stepping into” the apparatus, or pulling it down from over thehead. Such an embodiment is particularly useful for quickly changinginto, and out of, the apparatus during the course of a game or practice.Finally, in its most preferred form, belt member 18 is actuallycomprised of two individual belts that wrap around the waist of theplayer. Two smaller belts are preferred over a single larger belt assuch an arrangement maintains a more secure fit as the player's bodymoves during use.

Referring to FIG. 2, padded member 12 is characterized by a multi-layerconfiguration, where each layer performs a specific function. Eachlayer, alone and in combination with other layers, imparts several novelattributes to Applicant's invention. Layer 19, the outermost layer iscomprised of a thin, breathable nylon composite. This layer providesprotection of the other components of the apparatus while maintaining acomfortable feel for the user in that it is breathable and does notinduce agitation for its user during use. Finally, layer 19 may beproduce in a variety of colors and designs in order to better fit thedesired application or activity of its user.

Next, layer 20 is juxtaposed with the inside of layer 19 and the outsideof layer 20. Layer 20 is comprised of a thicker, more durable layer ofmaterial such as nylon or some composite thereof. This layer is highlywater resistant and provides strength for holding apparatus 10 togetherand flexibility in allowing apparatus 10 to contour to the shape of itsuser.

Layer 22 is juxtaposed with the inside of layer 20 and the outside layer24. Layer 22 in the preferred embodiment is a quilted fabric layer ofmaterial. Layer 22 is relatively thin, yet of course, does provide somedegree of protection by simply acting as an additional layer of padding.Importantly, layer 22 provides for efficient manufacturing of device 10.That is, layer 22 aids as a filler so that an assembly needle, sewingthe constituent components together, can more easily penetrate throughlayer 20. Also, layer 22 serves to reduce relative movement betweenlayer 20 and layer 24. That is, the outer surface of layer 22 iscomprised of some course material that essentially “grabs” the layer 20and layer 24. Without this layer, apparatus 10 would be of diminishingusefulness over time as the protective materials contained within becomedistorted under the outside material. In fact, a common problemassociated with known products is “bunching” of protective material asthe player moves during the course of use. However, as discussed,Applicant's invention eliminates any such problem.

Layer 24 is juxtaposed with the inside of layer 22 and the outside oflayer 26. In its most preferred form, this layer is comprised of a foammaterial and is preferably between one eighth and one quarter inch inthickness. This foam layer provides for shock absorption anddistribution, and, provides structural integrity and added thickness tothe apparatus overall.

Layer 26 is juxtaposed with the inside of layer 24 and the outside oflayer 28 (the inner most layer). Layer 26 is a thick batting layer;however, it is similar to layer 22 in so much as it is comprised of acourse, and relatively porous, material that “grabs” surrounding layersto help hold each intact with respect to the other. Layer 26 isparticularly effective in protecting layer 28, which contains air-filledbladders 30, from abrasive forces that may cause damage. Finally, whilelayer 26 may be relatively thick (preferably being between one quarterto one half inch thickness), its low density nature contributes torelatively light weight of apparatus 10.

Layer 28 is the innermost layer of apparatus 10. Preferably, layer 28 isa dual layered system of some plastic component having a series ofair-filled bladders 30. This layer serves as the core of the apparatusand is excellent in responding to forces exerted thereon. Morespecifically, air-filled bladders 30 efficiently react to forcesimparted by objects contacting padded member 12 and respond to bendingor folding of padded member 12 caused by the player's movement duringuse. Finally, layer 28 may have air bladders 30 of different dimensionsto better accommodate the expected strength of incident forces (i.e.,adults may need greater protection in most instances) and may compriseone or more layers to further provide protection.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limitedsense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well asalternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent topersons skilled in the art upon the reference to the description of theinvention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims willcover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.

1. A protective device comprising: a padding member, said padding memberbeing characterized by a central portion sized and shaped tosubstantially cover and protect the abdomen region of a user when saidprotective device is worn by said user, said padding member beingfurther characterized by a first and second elongate portion extendingfrom distal ends of said central portion, said padding member beingcharacterized by a multi-layer configuration; a belt member, said beltmember being secured to and extending between said first and secondelongate portions, said belt member being configured to adjustably fitabout the waist or torso of said user.
 2. The device of claim 1 whereinsaid padding member is comprised of: an innermost layer, said inner mostlayer having a first and second side, said innermost layer beingcharacterized by an arrangement of air filled bladders; a first andsecond inner layer, said first and second inner layers each having afirst and second side, said first side of said first inner layer beingjuxtaposed along said first side of said innermost layer, said firstside of said second inner layer being juxtaposed along said second sideof said innermost layer, said first and second inner layers beingcomprised of a porous, batting material; a third and fourth inner layer,said third and fourth inner layer each having a first and second side,said first side of said third inner layer being juxtaposed along saidsecond side of said first inner layer, said first side of said fourthinner layer being juxtaposed along said second side of said second innerlayer, said third and fourth inner layers being comprised of afabric-backed foam material; a fifth and sixth inner layer, said fifthand sixth inner layers each having a first and second side, said firstside of said fifth inner layer being juxtaposed along said second sideof said third inner layer, said first side of said sixth inner layerbeing juxtaposed along said second side of said fourth inner layer, saidfifth and sixth inner layers being comprised of a quilted, porousmaterial; a seventh and eighth inner layer, said seventh and eighthinner layers each having a first and second side, said first side ofsaid seventh outer layer being juxtaposed along said second side of saidfifth inner layer, said first side of said eighth inner layer beingjuxtaposed along said along said second side of said sixth inner layer,said seventh and eighth inner layers being comprised of a durable, waterresistant material; and a first and second outer layer, said first andsecond outer layers each having a first and second side, said first sideof said first outer layer being juxtaposed along said second side ofsaid seventh inner layer, said first side of said second outer layerbeing juxtaposed along said second side of said eighth inner layer, saidfirst and second outer layers being comprised of a durable, breathablematerial.
 3. The device of claim 2 further comprising a hidden zipperpocket attached to said padding member.